Siya
Two days had passed, and I still hadn't received a call from Urmi Di. The worry gnawed at me, tightening a knot in my stomach. Her father-in-law's sharp words replayed in my mind, holding me back from taking any action.
I needed a distraction, something to pull me out of this spiral. That's when I thought of visiting my best friend, Gauri Lingwal.
Gauri and I had been inseparable since 11th grade when we both switched to commerce. From late-night study sessions to college pranks, our bond had grown stronger over the years. She was more like a sister to me now, and the only person who knew about my situation with Raghav.
"Visiting Gauri wouldn't be a bad idea," I thought.
After leaving a quick message at home to avoid any unnecessary drama, I got ready and made my way to her place.
Ding Dong
"Ah, look my dearest friend decided to grace me with her presence!" Gauri's voice dripped with sarcasm as she opened the door.
"Dearest? Since when did you become such a sweet cake?" I teased, stepping inside.
"SWEET CAKE MY FOOT, YOU WITCH! WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN?!" she yelled, hands on her hips. "I've been calling you, and your stupid phone kept repeating the same line-'The number you have dialed is currently busy, please call again later'. Seriously Siya, do I look like someone who'd 'call again later'?"
Yes!!!
I was caught off guard. I hadn't realized my phone was switched off or where I'd even left it.
"I'm so sorry, Gauri. I didn't even notice. Maybe there were network issues..." I trailed off, hoping she'd drop the subject.
But Gauri wasn't done. "Urmi Di called me asking about you! She was so worried! Couldn't you have come here sooner?"
Her words hit me like a punch to the gut. Urmi Di must have tried to reach me multiple times. And if she went as far as calling Gauri, she might even have contacted Mom and Dad.
Why didn't they inform me?
My irritation must have shown on my face because Gauri softened immediately. She pulled me inside, guiding me to her room-our shared sanctuary since college. It was where secrets were spilled, and worries melted away.
"Did something happen?" she asked gently. "You and Samar-"
"No, nothing like that," I interrupted. "It's something else."
With that, I told her everything: the bracelet, Raghav, Mr. Desai, and my growing worry about Urmi Di. As I spoke, her expression shifted from shock to intrigue.
"Well, I don't know about that 'cray cray uncle', but I found out something about Raghav," she said, her voice dropping conspiratorially.
"What is it?" I asked, leaning forward.
"He has a girlfriend. Noorie or Nora-something like that."
Her words shouldn't have mattered to me. I had no claim on Raghav. And yet, a pang of sadness tugged at my heart.
Gauri's eyes narrowed. "You like him, don't you?"
"No! Absolutely not," I protested, a little too quickly. "Why would I? We barely know each other. And he didn't even recognize me at the ceremony."
She gave me a skeptical look but let it slide. Gauri always believed me, no matter how implausible my denials sounded.
"Not even the bracelet?" she asked pointedly.
"Nope. And honestly, it's stupid of me to expect him to."
I sighed, my mind drifting back to the first time I met Raghav.
Flashback: 12 Years Ago
May 06, 2010
It was the summer of 2011, and the house was buzzing with excitement. My cousins had arrived, and we were already planning our next adventure. Zoos, waterparks, treasure hunts-our summer was packed.
That's when Urmi Di decided to go to the market. It wasn't unusual, but this time, she insisted on taking me along.
I thought she wanted my company. I was wrong.
When we arrived, it wasn't a market. It was a cafe.
"Di, where are we? Isn't this the wrong place?" I asked, confused.
"Hush!" she whispered, gesturing toward a group of boys. "You're about to meet my friend-maybe your future jiju. Just keep it a secret, okay?"
I wasn't as naive as she thought. I knew what a boyfriend was. And as the dutiful little sister, I promised to keep her secret.
That was the day I met Vasu Jiju-and him, Raghav Desai.
He was an awkward boy with frizzy black hair, warm brown eyes, and a shy smile. While Di and Vasu whispered sweet nothings, Raghav and I exchanged hesitant greetings.
"Hi," he said, waving awkwardly.
I waved back, unsure of what to say.
Later, the four of us roamed the market. My eyes lit up at the sight of bangles, bracelets, and earrings. Jewellery always fascinated me.
Urmi Di and Vasu exchanged friendship bands, reaffirming their bond. Meanwhile, I admired everything present in the shops.
As we parted ways, Raghav reached into his pocket and handed me the bracelet.
"Here, did you like it?" he said, his shy smile turning into a beam of warmth.
I loved it. More than anything.
It was the first time I'd ever received something so beautiful from a boy. But it wasn't just the bracelet-it was the kindness in his eyes and the purity of his smile that stayed with me.
From that day on, I treasured the bracelet, repairing it whenever it broke. It wasn't just a piece of jewellery; it was a memory-a moment frozen in time.
Present Time
"And he didn't even remember it," I muttered, more to myself than Gauri.
She shrugged. "Boys can be clueless like that. But if it's bothering you, maybe it's time to figure out what you really feel about him."
I didn't respond. Because deep down, I wasn't sure if I wanted to know.